Purple Passion Flower


Today's Joy: Blessings in the Garden.
As I was tootling around outside this morning, watering flowers with my flying pig watering can, I had an epiphany, Reader. It occurred to me that not only was this an absolutely lovely summer for the garden, with plenty of rain, sun and prime growing conditions, but also that God has fulfilled every single plant fantasy we've had this year. Seems like everything about which we've wistfully said, Gee, it would be really nice to have one of these or someday we'll have to try growing that has come true. And nearly all have been a great bargain.


Gerbera Daisy

While taking stock of the myriad of exotic and interesting plant species we have acquired this season, I realized that all my favorite flowers are present. Outside, there are double-ruffled petunias (in two colors), a little pot of fiber optic grass, another of that wonderful Curly Wurly stuff (which just makes me smile), several gorgeous shades of gerbera daisies, a vibrant bunch of celosia, some of that bright green steppable Scottish moss, a big hanging basket full of begonias, a passion flower plant, a lovely new hibiscus tree Aunt found on sale (with unique, double-ruffled apricot flowers) as well as several varieties of yummy herbs.


Paphiopedilum (Lady's Slipper) Orchid


Inside, we currently have four phalaenopsis orchids in bloom in addition to my little paph. hybrid (pictured above), whose flower has been open since May. Seems like everywhere I look, there's something wonderful blossoming.



Foxtail


Have also really enjoyed watching the garden evolve thru the season. The daffodils and grape hyacinth were adorable this spring. According to Aunt, the magnolias put on their best show in years. At their peak, the delphiniums put out breathtaking, five foot-tall flower stalks absolutely jammed with bright blue and purple blossoms. And now the foxtails, lilies and hydrangea are taking center stage. It's just delightful to step outside and inhale the scent of chamomile, dill & oregano in the herb garden or see the bumbles and gold finches landing lazily on flowers or euonymus in the back yard. Kind of like paradise.


Boot Garden

Thank you, Lord, for this gorgeous garden and glorious growing season. We are ever mindful, as we plant, tend, weed and harvest, what a blessing these living things are. May the joy they bring be contagious and spill over into the lives of our friends & neighbors. Amen.


Delphinium

Begonia

Passion Flower with Blossom Open

Today's Joy: Passion Flowers Opening.
I am ecstatic, Reader! Came home from work today to see my new purple passion flower in bloom. I fell in love with these wonderously weird tropical plants several years ago, when I first saw photos of them in magazines and on screen savers. But I figured I'd never actually see one in person. Finally got my chance while visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo over Labor Day weekend in 2008. I was smitten!

A few weeks later, I stopped by the Heinz Bros. Greenhouse in St. Charles, IL, where they were having a huge end-of-season sale. For $5 each, I took home my first hibiscus tree (a topiary with a braided stem of both red and pink varieties) and--couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it--a 5 foot tall blue passion flower. Though it was remarkably finicky (shed its leaves almost constantly) from the moment I brought it home, I did enjoy a few months of sporatic, gorgeous flowers before it mysteriously gave up the ghost the following January.



The passion flower is one of the most fascinating plants I've ever seen. I've often wished to have another. This spring, while visiting our favorite high-end garden center, on a lark, I asked if they had any. Turns out they had just one left and it was about to bloom. It was also pretty darn cheap as exotic, tempermental tropicals go (I doubt I will ever find such a deal for $5 again). So we brought it home. I fussed over where to put it so it would get the right amount of sunlight without drying out. I fussed over how to fertilize it and if I watered it too much and whether or not to re-pot it before it blooms.



Then, the minute I go to work, the little blossoms begin to open. They don't stay open very long--a day or perhaps less--but there is nothing like seeing that distinctive, zany flower unfurl on your back porch, offering a breathtaking private show. Amazing! Now I'm busy reading up on everything I can find about the care of these magnificent plants.